Head Of Service Licensing and Hackney Carriages and Private Hire

Job Introduction

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Head of Service – Licensing (Including Hackney Carriage & Private Hire)

Bradford Council | Environment Directorate

Bradford is ambitious, diverse and unafraid of complexity. We regulate one of the largest Hackney Carriage and Private Hire fleets in the country, alongside a wide range of licensed activities—and we do so with a strong focus on public safety, Safeguarding, fairness and growth.

We are looking for a Head of Service  to lead this critical services, someone who can bring together regulation, safeguarding, enforcement and partnership working with clarity and confidence across the council and with stakeholders locally, regionally and Nationally

About the role

This is a high-profile leadership role with significant scale and impact.

You will lead a complex, multidisciplinary service responsible for:

• Hackney Carriage & Private Hire licensing at significant scale
• Broader licensing functions across premises, operators and regulated activity
• Strong compliance and enforcement activity, working alongside Police and safeguarding partners
• Delivery of statutory responsibilities in a high-demand, highly scrutinised environment

You will operate with a high degree of autonomy, providing strategic leadership while navigating legal, operational, financial and reputational risk.

Who we’re looking for

This role is about how you lead, not just what you know. We are looking for someone who embodies Bradford’s values:

Bold

You lead decisively in complex and high-profile areas such as taxi and private hire licensing, where public safety, safeguarding and reputation are paramount.

You:

• Make confident, timely decisions in politically and operationally sensitive environments
• Take ownership of risk, particularly in relation to public protection and regulatory compliance
• Provide visible leadership across contentious and high-impact issues

Brilliant: You bring strong professional credibility, particularly in high risk services, and understand the scale and complexity of the work area.

You:

• Navigate complex legislation and apply it with clarity and consistency
• Lead large, operational teams to deliver high-quality, compliant services
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in systems, processes and enforcement
• Balance performance with financial sustainability

Balanced: You recognise that the best outcomes in licensing, depend on strong relationships and a whole-system approach.

You:

• Work collegiately across safeguarding, community safety, transport and public health
• Build trusted relationships with Members, partners and the licensed trade
• Balance enforcement with engagement, and regulation with support for compliant businesses
• Lead with emotional intelligence, fairness and integrity

This Role is about:

• Protecting vulnerable residents
• Maintaining public confidence in the licensing system
• Supporting a large and diverse trade to operate safely and fairly

This is a role where your leadership will genuinely make a difference on a daily basis

How to Apply

UPLOAD YOUR CURRENT CV AND A SUPPORTING STATEMENT OF NO MORE THAN 4 SIDES OF A4 OUTLINING HOW YOUR EXPERIENCE FITS THE JOB PROFILE.

If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please email Noreen Akhtar Asst Director - noreen.akhtar@bradford.gov.uk  once you have read the job profile

Employee Offer

Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf 

Equal Opportunities 

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

 The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.